Your New Jersey Injury And Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

Seeking workers’ compensation for depression

On Behalf of | Nov 5, 2019 | Workers' Compensation

It is not uncommon to hear people in Toms River talk about being stressed at work. Yet what if the stress you experience on the job has led to depression? Recent years have seen the recognition of depression as a debilitating condition, often leaving you unable to perform the tasks that even simple daily living demands. If it can be that debilitating in your everyday life, imagine how much more impactful depression can be to your job. Taking time to seek treatment is certainly an option, but as many have asked us here at Rosenberg Kirby Cahill Stankowitz & Richardson, should such treatment be covered by workers’ compensation?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, while 18.1 percent of the adult population in American reports suffering from some form of anxiety disorder, less than 37 percent actually seek treatment. Your reason for not yet having done so may be because you fear filing a workers’ compensation claim over this issue might be troublesome. From a general perspective, proving that your depression is work-related may seem difficult. Yet employees may face any number of stressful things at work, such as:

  • A heavy workload
  • Tight deadlines
  • Lack of resources
  • Job insecurity
  • Office alienation
  • Bullying or harassment

Considering these things may make the idea of work being a cause of depression seem more reasonable.

To prove that your depression is indeed work-related, two things typically need to happen: first, you must have a doctor, psychiatrist or other medical or mental health professional confirm you are suffering from depression (and that your career may be the cause). Second, a caseworker must investigate your case to prove your claims are valid.

You can learn more about seeking workers’ compensation benefits by continuing to explore our site.

Archives